MANILA, Philippines - Police will set up checkpoints nationwide to prevent any violence during the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on Oct. 25.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Jesus Verzosa said police would ensure peaceful elections, but he sought the cooperation of the public to make the polls “go on smoothly.”
PNP spokesman Senior Superintendent Agrimero Cruz said police visibility would also be heightened 30 days before the polls and until Nov. 10.
The carrying of guns in public is banned during the election period, he added.
Cruz said armed bodyguards and armored personal vehicles are also prohibited during the election period.
“Penalties will be imposed, which may include fines and even jail time for the violators,” he said.
Verzosa said police would exercise utmost vigilance against prohibited acts, particularly those prescribed in resolutions of the Commission on Elections.
Cruz said the PNP is eyeing a gun ban during the barangay elections to minimize poll-related violence.
A gun ban proved to be effective to thwart violence during the last elections, he added. – Mike Frialde, Cecille Suerte Felipe